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Reliability & Validity

For a comprehensive review of Belbin Team Roles, including further information on Validity and Reliablility, please download the document: Team Roles: A Comprehensive Review.

DEFINING the terms

Reliability and validity are concepts commonly used in evaluating psychometric tests.

Reliability is a measure of the internal consistency of a test

Validity is concerned with the strength of the conclusions and inferences drawn

CLUSTERS of behaviour

Internal consistency is highest where test items are repeated, but this narrows the focus of the test overall. Rather than repeating questions, or introducing items which are virtually identical, Interplace (the programe which analyses and produces the Belbin reports) seeks for clusters of related behaviour. For example, the Shaper cluster refers to an individual who is challenging, competitive, hard driving, tough and outspoken. However, that does not mean to say that everyone who is competitive will necessarily be outspoken.

The FULL PICTURE

Most psychometric tests rely on self-reporting. However, the behaviours identified may not correspond with what others observe. The strength of the programe, Interplace, rests in its emphasis on construct validity: using multiple sources of evidence to draw a conclusion. The system’s outputs are designed to take account of the degree of consensus on observed behaviour. Disparities between self-analysis and the perceptions of others can provide valuable leads for action. Formal correlations are, however, difficult to calculate, as those providing feedback are not required to make a fixed number of responses. This is because genuine responses are more easily obtained – and more valuable – when forced choices are avoided.

Remember that the self- and observer assessments feature several different behavioural traits for each Team Role. This is not the case in a psychometric test, where single personality traits are measured. To be a good example of a particular Team Role, an individual would have to demonstrate the cluster of positive traits for that role.

Belbin in South Africa

All Belbin Distributors and Regional Representatives are officially accredited by Belbin UK and have undergone an extensive period of training. They have also proven their expertise by successfully implementing the Belbin methodology with clients to bring about pre-agreed objectives over a probation period.

Please click on the links to find further details of our Regional Representatives in South Africa. They have the skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to help you implement Belbin within your organisation, and to increase the effectiveness of your employees.